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The Springfield News-Sun digs into important public health issues, such as recent stories on obesity rates and minority health.
Healthy Springfield: About this series
Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year, the News-Sun will dig into the public health issues facing the city, including teen pregnancy rates and school lunch programs and efforts to improve them. Next month, the News-Sun will investigate mental health issues in the community.
MORE ONLINE: For more Healthy Springfield content, including videos of the Day in Wellville event and the NASA powerlifiting tournament, log on to SpringfieldNewsSun.com/Healthy-Springfield.
The Clark County Combined Health District brought its public health superheroes to New Carlisle to promote health and wellness.
The health district held its Day in Wellville event Saturday morning in conjunction with the New Carlisle Farmer’s Market. About 30 people came out for the one-mile walk, led by Health Commissioner Charles Patterson, who dressed as Batman.
“Any time we’re walking it’s good for our health,” Patterson said.
Springfield City Manager Jim Bodenmiller dressed as Superman for the walk, while New Carlisle City Manager Randy Bridge also participated. The city of New Carlisle and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department escorted walkers along the route.
Earlier this year, the health district announced it would target neighborhoods most at-risk for health issues, including northern New Carlisle, as part of the Community Health Improvement Plan.
The New Carlisle City Council is making steps to make it a healthier community, including the recent ban on smoking around parks. A new playground was also recently constructed in Smith Park.
“Lots of people want to see great things happen in New Carlisle,” Patterson said.
Any time you bring people together to talk about health and wellness, it’s good for the community, Bridge said.
“People got exposed to New Carlisle who had never been here before,” he said. “They saw aspects of our town they wouldn’t normally see.”
John and Marcia Hofmann of Mad River Twp. came out for the walk on Saturday morning. They hope to see a similar event closer to their home near Enon, John said.
“It was a beautiful day and we thought we could use the exercise,” John said.
The couple are also participating in the Alzheimer’s walk in September.
“We thought we’d start getting some practice,” Marcia said.
The farmer’s market was held in conjunction with the event, which recently began a program in which people can use SNAP or WIC benefits to purchase healthy produce.
“We’re really trying to reach all of the citizens, not just a select group who would typically come to the Farmer’s Market, but a broader group so that we do have this opportunity,” Patterson said.
About a dozen health-related organizations turned out for the event, including the Community Health Foundation, Springfield Regional Medical Center and Oakview Dermatology, among others. New Carlisle Sports and Fitness, 524 N. Dayton-Lakeview Road., was in town providing chair massages and passing out flyers, as well as boxing demonstrations.
“It’s great sharing the area with people who have the same interests we do,” New Carlisle Sports and Fitness Marketing Director Bryan Moore said.
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